Real Madrid Demands €80 Million from Premier League Clubs
Spanish football giants Real Madrid have confirmed they are pursuing approximately €80 million from six prominent Premier League clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur. The demand relates to alleged outstanding contributions towards the initial setup costs of the ill-fated European Super League (ESL).
According to Real Madrid, these English clubs remain financially liable for expenses incurred in establishing the breakaway competition, despite their swift withdrawal just days after its controversial launch in April 2021. The Athletic first reported the demand, a position subsequently confirmed by Real Madrid.
The Super League's Brief Existence
The European Super League was announced in April 2021 by 12 major European clubs, intending to create an exclusive competition outside UEFA's established structure. However, the project collapsed within 72 hours due to overwhelming opposition from fans, players, domestic leagues, national federations, and UEFA itself.
The rapid withdrawal of the six Premier League clubs was a significant factor in the original project's demise. Despite this, Real Madrid, alongside Barcelona and Juventus, remained publicly committed to the concept, eventually covering the initial setup costs themselves.
Initial Costs and Ongoing Dispute
The total set-up costs for the proposed competition are estimated to be as high as €80 million. Real Madrid's claim centers on a shareholders' agreement signed for the European Super League Company, the holding entity behind the tournament. While the six English clubs did sign this agreement, the precise wording regarding financial responsibility for setup costs remains a point of contention.
Real Madrid's stance is that the clubs' commitment to "jointly own and manage" the project inherently carried financial obligations. Whether this interpretation holds up will likely depend on the specific contractual language and any potential future legal proceedings. The Spanish club has not publicly indicated if it will pursue similar claims against other former founding members, such as AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid.
What Happens Next?
As of now, no court ruling has ordered any of the English clubs to pay, nor have any publicly agreed to a settlement or contribution. Reports suggest that Arsenal, in particular, maintains it has no confirmed individual liability or agreed payment figure. The dispute highlights the long-lasting legal and commercial fallout from the Super League's brief, turbulent existence.